15 October 2008

Firefighters at Great Holm are running three road safety courses next month for people who have recently passed their driving test.

The two-hour sessions are designed to help new drivers become more roadwise and sharpen up some of their recently-acquired skills.

The courses are free and will take place at Great Holm Fire Station, Haddon, just off the V4, between 7pm and 9pm on Sunday 9 November, Monday 17 November and Tuesday 25 November.

People attending the courses will be given advice on what to do if they see an accident or are involved in one, and learn how to negotiate local roads which have a history of road traffic collisions. They will also be shown how to react to emergency vehicles on their way to an incident, what to do in the event of a breakdown and how to give emergency first aid. The courses will also include some hard-hitting facts and figures about road safety and collisions.

Firefighter Jim Hutchison said: "A driver's first few months on the road can be a daunting experience, even if he or she had no problem passing their test. They can also have a major influence of what sort of driver that person is going to be for the rest of their life.

"We believe these sessions will help new drivers gain the confidence and skills they need for a lifetime of safe driving."

Jim emphasised that the sessions are not just for young drivers – they are for anyone who has recently passed their test, whatever their age.

He added: "Hardly a week goes by without us being called out to free a driver or passenger trapped in a vehicle after a collision so that they can be taken to hospital. These sessions are one of the ways in which we are trying to prevent things going wrong rather than cure them."

Up to 20 people can take part on each day and light refreshments will be served.

If you would like to register your interest and preferred date, ring Great Holm Fire Station on 01908 263374.